Daily Devotional with Dr. Duane Brooks
February 22, 2018
Acts 28:15
The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.
New International Version (NIV)
                After the ship wrecked, he made it to shore just in time to be bitten by a snake.  Sounds like a bad day, doesn’t it?  If being a Christian means you never have any problems, somebody forgot to tell the Apostle Paul.  From prison to a hurricane to a snake bite, Paul endured many things for the sake of Christ.  Remember God told Ananias to tell him he would have to suffer a lot for the kingdom.  Sure enough he did.

                I do not preach Christianity as an exemption from trouble.  Jesus is not our good luck charm, preventing us from problems of all sorts.  Remember that Jesus is not a means to any end – rather he is the end itself!  So what good does it do to be a Christian.  If God is not going to take away all of my problems and make me healthy, wealthy and wise, why follow him?

                The cost of discipleship is great indeed.  But that cost is not nearly as high as the cost of non-discipleship.  As followers of Jesus we will experience tribulation.  Out of that trouble, God will work in ways that strengthen our souls and conform us to the image of Jesus.  Peter told other Christians that Jesus suffered so that we might follow in his steps.  I jogged by a snake this morning in Hershey Park, and I almost stepped on it.  At the last minute I saw it and stepped away.  But when our Savior battled with the serpent, he was “bitten” when he was crucified.  Then on the third day he arose and sat down at the right hand of the Father, as Lord of all.  This is our hope.  Even if we die, because we believe in the living Lord who defeated death, we will live.
Pray with me:
Father, give us the grace to see the snakes before they strike.  But if we find ourselves suffering today, remind us that your love is constant and your ultimate victory assured.  Help us to trust in you.  Let the way we suffer say something to the world about our Savior today.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.        
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story.  With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
  Joyfully, 
  Duane 
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